2008-S Alaska Quarter Proof

Quick answers

Is the 2008-S Alaska Quarter Proof rare?

Not especially. The Mint made 2,078,112 for collectors. Most were kept in their original packaging.

Is the 2008-S Alaska Quarter Proof silver?

No. It's copper core clad in 75% copper / 25% nickel. Quarters dated 1964 and earlier are 90% silver.

Where is the mint mark on a 2008 50 State Quarter?

On the obverse, to the right of Washington's ponytail (P, D or S). On this coin the mark is S, for San Francisco.

How many 2008-S Alaska Quarter proofs were made?

2,078,112.

What to check on your 2008-S

• Make sure the mint mark really is an S. A worn or filled mark can be misread. It's what separates your coin from the 2008-P (252 million made).
• Judge the grade under good light. State quarters are judged mainly on luster and contact marks. Look for die varieties and errors, which carry the real premiums in this series.

Proofs from 2008 come with and without frosted devices. Coins with strong contrast are labeled Cameo or Deep Cameo and are worth more.

How to recognize it

The Alaska design

A grizzly bear emerges from a river clutching a salmon in its jaws, with the North Star shining above and the words THE GREAT LAND. The North Star also appears on the state flag, while bears and salmon are emblems of Alaska's abundant wildlife. The nickname reflects the meaning of the Aleut word from which Alaska takes its name. Alaska became the forty-ninth state in 1959. Its quarter was the fourth release of 2008.

The 50 State Quarter design

To make room for each state design, the obverse was rearranged: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and QUARTER DOLLAR all moved to the side with Washington's portrait. The reverse shows the state's design with its name, the year it joined the Union or ratified the Constitution, the year of issue and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The mint mark is to the right of Washington's ponytail.

Mintage chart

Specifications

Other 2008 50 State Quarter issues